It's been a minute since my last post. I hope everyone is safe and healthy.
On Wednesday, 11 March, my job informed all of us that we were working from home for the foreseeable future. The transition to remote work was not without its hiccups. I quickly learned that my very basic computer set up was inadequate and had to make some adjustments. I don't do a bunch of computer stuff (despite minoring in computer science and programming) so I did not see the need for what most people probably already have: web camera, microphone, teleconferencing software, and a working monitor (well...a monitor that didn't take 30-60 minutes to turn on). o_O In the monitor's defense, it was old (in computer years) and probably wasn't expecting all of this extra usage.
Suffice it to say sewing once again took several back seats. I tried to squeeze in some time here or there in an effort to preserve my sanity and take a break from work.
I wanted more workout pants because (1) one pair was too small (grrrrr...) and (2) the other three pair were in heavy rotation. Before the shutdown, I was at the gym 3 times per week and sweaty workout gear needs regular washing.
I batch-sewed all but the middle (purple) pair. My serger had black thread and my minor OCD would not allow black serger thread with solid purple knit. =P
I cut the pieces for each pair and assembly-line pinned, sewed, serged, and coverstitched all at once. I didn't keep track of how long it took to do this, but it wasn't that long.
The first pair (left) is sooooo comfortable. It's an activewear knit from JoJos that I bought specifically for this pattern. I wish I had bought more of this knit at the time.
The last three pair use printed knits from a local nonprofit scrap store. The knits were about 1 yard long and maybe 12 inches wide - not big enough to make anything except a scarf. But for Isabelle, the size was perfect. As long as there is four-way stretch, you don't need a big piece of fabric to cut the contrast panels and waistband inset.
For the second pair (red), I used a two-way stretch knit from Fabric Mart. Do not use two-way stretch knit! There must be vertical stretch or the pants will be hard to put on and will not stay up. Ask me how I know. This pair might be good for biking, but nothing that involves any other movement. Eesh!
Hopefully it will be safe to bike once the weather warms. Quarantine life got me looking most chunky and I need more exercise. I mean...sure I didn't need to eat the whole Costco-sized container of chocolate-covered raisins. But I couldn't let all those raisins go to waste.
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I updated my MakeNine 2020 plan because I'm not really feeling much of the patterns anymore. I finished the skirt (total meh) and started the tote bag (currently in month-long timeout). Everything else is just...eh. I'll post on that next.
Stay safe everyone!
L
